WORKS OF ART: At back, art teacher Tania Magennis and principal Ruth Rampling with students Scott Munday and at front, Milly Day and Lauren Gay.

SENIOR students at Beechworth Primary School have reaped the financial benefits of a public display of their paintings.

The art exhibition was staged over two days in the school’s multi-purpose room last week with many of the works offered for sale.

Some were sold, others were under offer and negotiations were continuing on other paintings.

Principal Ruth Rampling said parents and members of the public came through the exhibition and were surprised at the high quality of the paintings.

"Tania Magennis is our art teacher and she has done a fantastic job drawing out the natural creativity of our students," she said.

"We believe some of these paintings are so good they deserve to hang in a city gallery and one visitor said so too, which is great feedback for our students."

Ms Rampling said the art program at the school was a strong element of the school’s curriculum with a separate art room and specialist art teacher.

"The development of children’s creative side is just as important as the academic side and can actually aid academic progress," she said.